How-To: Remove Strippable Wallpaper

Back in August of last year, I tested out Graham & Brown's Paste the Wall wallpaper, which you install by pasting the wall itself rather than the paper when hanging, and which is meant to peel off in full sheets. When I tested removing it, I found that it did peel off in full sheets, with no paper residue. But after a year or so when it was time to remove the paper, some of the paper liner was left on the walls when I peeled it off. Luckily, it was really easy to remove. Want to learn how?

First, to remove the wallpaper, you should lift a bottom corner and peel it up steadily. But, if the piece is wide, to make sure the whole width of the paper peels at the same pace, use two hands.

Some pieces may peel off completely clean, but you may find the paper lining of others is left as you're peeling. If you notice this, stop and try to peel the liner up before you continue on.

Once you've removed each sheet, spray your walls with a wallpaper removal gel — I used DIF — and let it sit for 15 or 20 minutes.

Then, gently scrape off the gel using a wide putty knife. Don't press too hard or you may damage the drywall. The leftover bits of liner should come off very easily with the gel.

Wipe down the walls with a dry paper towel or rag.

Then, wash them with a bit of soapy water or gentle surface cleaner and let dry.